William Frawley
Birthday: 1887-02-26 | Place of Birth: Burlington, Iowa, USAWilliam Frawley was born in Burlington, Iowa. As a boy he sang at St. Paul's Catholic Church and played at the Burlington Opera House. His first job was as a stenographer for the Union Pacific Railroad. He did vaudeville with his brother Paul, then joined pianist Franz Rath in an act they took to San Francisco in 1910. Four years later he formed a light comedy act with his new wife Edna Louise Broedt, "Frawley and Louise", touring the Orpheum and Keith circuits until they divorced in 1927. He next moved to Broadway and then, in 1932, to Hollywood with Paramount. By 1951, when he contacted Lucille Ball about a part in her TV show I Love Lucy (1951), he had performed in over 100 films. His Fred Mertz role lasted until the show ended in 1960, after which he did a five-year stint on My Three Sons (1960). Poor health forced his retirement. He collapsed of a heart attack on March 3, 1966, aged 79, walking along Hollywood Boulevard after seeing a movie. He is buried in San Fernando Mission Cemetery.
Known For
Acting
Role
as Fred Mertz
as Baldy Gunder
as Det. Roberts
as Fred Mertz
as Gloomy Willie
as Hotel Night Clerk
as Oliver Harker
as Mr. Bernouti
as Tom
as Mr. Schneider
as Police Lieutenant
as William Scanlon
as Det. Lt. Webb
as General Trent
as Honey Wiggen
as Police Inspector Harry B. Manning
as Wolf Wylie
as Eddie Powers
as Detective Ramsey
as Mike Simms
as Traveling Salesman
as 'Hotfoot'
as Billy Delaney
as Harrison
as O'Malley
as Bang
as Det. 'Hoppy' Hopkins
as Sheriff McGee
